02.56-03.04
TITLES (over black): East Timor – The Long Road to Freedom
03.06
Aerial from helicopter of mountains Today East Timor is an independent country.This is the harsh story of how the people of this tiny nation achieved what for 500 years had seemed an impossible goal
3.25 helicopter
It is a day that the people of East Timor dreamed of. A dream that kept their hopes alive during 24 years of occupation by Indonesia. The resistance leader Xanana Gusmao is home after 7 years as a prisoner of war in Indonesia.
3.56
He’s returning to the mountain base of his victorious resistance army, the National Resistance Forces for the Liberation of East Timor, known as Falantil.
4.26
Xanana Gusmao This civil servant turned guerrilla fighter has returned to honour his fallen comrades and to rebuild a completely devastated country.
4.36-4.47
Sync: Xanana Gusmao We fought against the Portuguese colonists. We fought all those who tried to colonise us - the martyrs of Falantil.
4.53
Women crying Sadness overcomes the euphoria as Xanana comforts the survivors, including women who fought in the mountains with Falantil and lost husbands and children in the occupation.
5.20
Soldiers marching To win Independence Falantil had to face the enemy by refusing to fight…
6.37
Music, mountain ridge Super date: May 1998 Under Indonesian rule, East Timor is a restricted area. Few outsiders witness the daily life of one of the world’s most inaccessible guerrilla forces.
6.52
The Indonesian army has pushed Falintil high into the mountains, but it has not been able to destroy it.Vastly outnumbered Falintil now resorts to guerilla tactics against one of the most powerful armies in Asia.
07.06
Ruak and map Ruak interview: Super: Taur Matan RuakFalintil Chief of Staff Commandant Taur Matan Ruak is Falintil’s Chief-of-Staff. He controls around a thousand fighters based high in the mountains. His Commander-in-Chief, Xanana Gusmao, is six years into a 20-year sentence for subversion in an Indonesian jail, but his orders regularly reach Ruak and Falintil fights on.
07.29-07.52
IN:”Que pisadi nos… “…although we want peace, we are not pacifists, we are a military and this war was imposed on us. For our self defence, we took up arms.OUT:…nos armes”
07.55-08.16
“Our struggle has already taken 23 years - a struggle which has stolen many lives. But we never lost hope and we will continue to struggle until East Timor gains its independence.”
08.18
CU feet through water UPSOT: river walkThe resistance is split into four regional commands. In the face of Indonesian attacks they’ve given up trying to maintain fixed bases and now patrol in mobile units of a few men.
08.30
Their tactics are to monitor the movements of the Indonesian military, ambushing patrols when they can, capturing weapons, sabotaging equipment and harassng the enemy.
08.42-08.49
Subtitle Radio discussion UPSOT: radio with Indonesians IN: “Disini bagus…Falintil: “It’s better to go back home, then Timor will be peaceful.”
08.51-08.52
Indonesian Army: “You shits, you shits, you shits!”
08.53-08.57
Falintil: “Speak politely. We’re both human.”
08.58-08.59
Indonesian Army: “Who are you?”
09.00-09.06
Falintil: “We’re the guys you’ve been looking for, day and night. The ones you call terrorists.”OUT:…porgay disana.”
09.09
Hunting, meat arrives WS clandestine suppliesSuper: Taur Matan RuakFalintil Chief of Staff They live off the land and depend on clandestine support for basic supplies, and military intelligence.
09.15
Many people risk their lives to support Falintil. When they look to the mountains they know their dreams of freedom are alive.
09.23-09.30
Ruak: IN: “A frente…“The clandestine front is very important and has always been the base of our resistance, because without this popular support we couldn’t survive. “OUT:…survive”.
09.34
Soldiers file past with guns
Falintil fighters get their weapons from the enemy – each gun represents one dead Indonesian soldier.
09.41-09.58
Super: Ular Reik Falintil Commander Ular:IN:”Comprerer…”Like other liberation movements we need weapons, but unlike other liberation movements, we don’t receive any arms from outside.”OUT:…segundas reado”
10.01
Soldiers cook food Messages smuggled out of the mountains keep them in contact with their families —and with their Commander-in-chief, Xanana Gusmao even when he is in prison in far away Jakarta.
10.17
Soldiers with gun on table In July 1998, the Falintil’s four regional commands travel from their distant operation areas for a rare strategy session.
10.26
Jakarta is in turmoil: Indonesian student demonstrations have already forced President Suharto to resign. They are now demanding full democracy.
10.42
CU string on cocks’ footLeki blesses cockfight Fighting cocks are blessed by Falintil Commander, Leki Naha Foho Rai Boot.He is also a revered Lulik master.
11.11
CU lighting candle Leki and soldier praySuper:Leki Naha Foho Rai Boot Falintil Vice-Commander Many Falintil soldiers credit their survival to the power of Lulik, which combines traditional Animist beliefs with Catholic symbolism.
11.27
Leki lost his fingertips in a grenade blast. He believes Lulik saved his life. Now, as a Lulik master, he blesses the talisman that will protect his soldiers.
11.43-11.53
Leki:In: “Ton-ee-ba…“Whether you’re in the dark, faced with weapons, knives, planes, cars, hands or other dangerous things, you will not be killed.”Out: …la-oho.”
11.54
Soldiers for salute When the virtually destroyed Falintil regrouped under Xanana Gusmao’s leadership in the early eighties, it developed a dual strategy:Xanana fostered an urban student underground movement and replenished Falintil’s forces with East Timorese men who had been conscripted into the Indonesian army.
12.15
Commandante Falur Rate La’ek was a soldier in the Indonesian military. He defected to Falintil in 1983 with an entire battalion.
12.26-12.46
Super:Falur Rate La’ekFalintil Commander In: Quante per dias…“…In the villages, when I saw the arbitrary killings of the people by the Indonesian forces - the ill treatment, forced labour, starvation and death - then I realised it was a grave injustice.” OUT:…di-sen-o.”
12.47
Ruak + Sebeeka + radio On August 4th 1998, Falintil is on the brink of victory. Indonesia and Portugal start negotiations for a United Nations-supervised referendum on East Timor’s future.
13.01
The radio exchanges between Falintil and the Indonesian army, take a dramatic turn.
13.06-13.26
CU Amanuallo listens Indonesians: In: “Tidak apa…That’s right. Later they will be more open to the people about what the problems are. After that there is going to be a tripartite between Indonesia, Portugal and the UN. So now it’s just a closed meeting between leaders, over.”Out: …porgun”
13.27-13.30
Falintil: In: “Apa…We already know about the meeting. We already know what the governor said - …
13.32-13.35
In: “Eh ini… …he also backs the idea of an referendum for East Timor.” OUT:…Timor Timur ba.”
13.37- 13.55
RuakSuper:Taur Matan RuakFalintil Chief of Staff Ruak: IN:”Sa povo…“We will never accept a cease-fire offered by the Indonesians, unless the process is under the United Nations, the cease-fire must be internationalised.”OUT: …internationale.”
13.56
Aerial shot of mountains On May the 5th 1999, news of a breakthrough reaches the mountains: the United Nations will hold a referendum to find out if East Timor’s people want to become independent. They finally have a chance to end 24 years of Indonesian occupation peacefully.
14.16
Falur walks towards camera The vote is scheduled for August 30th - but Falintil discovers that Indonesia’s military plans to subvert the vote to make sure that East Timor remains under Indonesian control.
14.28-15.10
Ular Super: Ular ReikFalintil Commander Ular: IN:”Si…“Before April we saw the secret documents and knew the plans the Indonesian military would implement... “And finally if they did not succeed in intimidating our people, they would evacuate the families and those with them to West Timor.”OUT: …Timor occidental.”
15.12
Militia on motorbikes Indonesia’s military begins preparing and arming civilian militias to wage a campaign of terror.When droves of militia-men patrol the city, the streets empty. East Timor’s pro-Indonesia leader, Tomas Goncalves, goes to Jakarta to receive orders from Defence Minister General Wiranto.
15.36-16.11
Super:Tomas Goncalves: Pro-Indonesia Leader IN:”Bulang Abri…“ In April when we went to Jakarta, we wanted to meet with Wiranto but the vice commander of the Indonesian defence forces said ‘Bapak Wiranto knows about everything already’.” “He talked directly with us about all the programs... like forming the militia, giving us the arms and the money as required.” …and they said: “You militias have to stand out in front and we Indonesians will help you from behind.” “The military said if they could provoke the people, then Falintil would come down, so they could inform the world that this was only a civil war between Timorese.”OUT: … otonomi harus.”
16.14
Super: May 1999Writers write letters Shocked by the extent of Jakarta’s plans for East Timor, Goncalves gives Falintil the Indonesian military documents and then flees the country. Xanana Gusmao orders his fighters to build base camps – called “cantonments”. He says they can keep their weapons, but they’ll have to stay put until East Timor decides its future.
16.37-16.45
Super:Taur Matan Ruak Falintil Chief of Staff IN:”generade…“Our cantonment policy was not negotiable - it was demanded by Xanana Gusmao.”OUT: …Xanana Gusmao.”
16.56
Soldiers build the hut Commandant Ular Reik says the resistance fighters gradually realised that in order to defeat Indonesia, they would have to refuse to fight.
16.58-17.26
Super: Ular ReikFalintil Commander IN: “Maybere bes…“Starting from the United Nations agreement of May 5th, our forces were always restricted to our bases. We couldn’t go out. We knew the Indonesians were provoking us to see how Falintil would react. If there was a reaction from the Falintil side, the situation would have deteriorated.”OUT: …vi-piora.”
17.27
Super Date: July 1999UN helicopter arrives Soldiers stand to attention UPSOT helicopterThe United Nations mission in East Timor called UNAMET, arrives to oversee the referendum with unarmed international police. They will have to work alongside armed Indonesian police, who under the deal negotiated in New York, are in charge of security
17.48-17.55
Super:Taur Matan RuakFalintil Chief of Staff. IN: “Permitee…“Does this give the United Nations a continued capacity to intervene anywhere?”OUT:…un tolus.”
17.57-18.10
Super: Lu OloRepresentative Fretilin Presidential Council IN: “Maiya…“As we heard from the east to the west, if pro-independence win - blood will flow…We relied on Unamet to take responsibility for the process and to make the decisions.”OUT: …na-ima ima.”
18.10-18.32
Falintil soldiers depart saluteSuper: Colin Stewart UNAMET Political Officer Colin: “Clearly what Falintil was aiming to do with their cantonment……was to completely remove the Indonesian argument that they were on one side of a violent confrontation between two factions of the East Timorese population
18.33
Frederico wide chest shot UPSOT Original musicWithout the power to protect their people, Falintil’s fighters are about to face their biggest challenge.
19.01
Chest with tattoo and lulik
UPSOT original music
19.10
UPSOT: Campaign singing
19.19
Super date: August 1999 The referendum campaign is now underway and East Timor’s voters will choose between independence from Indonesia or more autonomy. For the first time the independence movement campaigns freely and a giddy confidence takes over but Falintil’s leaders are worried.
19.30
Thanks to Tomas Goncalves, they know their supporters will be targeted by Indonesian troops and neither the UN nor Falintil will be able to defend them.
19.38
They’re afraid their youth groups will take matters into their own hands to protect the people.
19.45
But they also know, somehow peace must be maintained for the vote to gain international acceptance.
19.55
2-shot Eurico and woman UPSOT – Song: "Good Golly Miss Molly…"The pro-autonomy supporters don’t want to lose the benefits of Indonesian rule, and as civil servants and business- men they want to make sure East Timor stays in Indonesia.
20.05
The militias support the pro-autonomy movement.UPSOT - "Good Golly Miss Molly"
20.10
Eurico and mate on stage Eurico Gutterres leads the Dili-based militia Aitarak. Its one of the many gangs Indonesia’s military has set up in each of East Timor’s 13 districts.
20.21-20.33
Super: Eurico Gutterres Militia Leader
Eurico: “....if they win how can they force me to join their East Timor? Where are my rights? Human rights means it’s my right to decide.”
20.34
militia walk by at HQ Hundreds of men have been recruited by the militias. Some volunteered, some were paid, and some were forced, under threat of death.
20.45-21.07
Super: Luis Militia Recruit IN: “Sira…“They forced us by saying that if you do not join the militia, we will come to kill you, burn your house and destroy your family! So you have to join or try to escape (to the jungle)…” OUT: …aman”
21.07-21.13
IN: “Nay mak…“…We were afraid so we joined. We thought it was a good idea.”OUT: …ami taman”
21.15
Eurico on motorbike UPSOT: motorbikeAugust 26th the pro-autonomy rally in Dili ends with dozens of militiamen pouring into Becora. The Aitarak militia goes on a rampage.
21.32
Pro-independence at bridgeMilitia shooting The pro-independence youth are also armed, not with guns, but with home made weapons.
21.47
The militias provoke, the independence movement reacts - it’s a pattern that will be repeated too many times.
21.59
Pro-independ & Indo police Heavily armed police do nothing to stop the militia-men. Instead they focus on the pro-independence Becora youth groups. Indonesia insists on remaining in charge of security during the referendum, And in a trade-off to get Jakarta to accept the vote, the United Nations has agreed to a fatally flawed plan.
Clinic patient wheeled in UPSOT: women cry and wail
22.42-23.00
Emiliano Emiliano “I don’t understand, the riot police came here to stand in the middle, but they just let the militia shoot and kill us - they even put them there deliberately to kill us.”
23.01
WS clinic inpatients 3 days before the vote, the head of the United Nations force –UNAMET– calls on Jakarta to reign in the militias.
23.20
Audio: Ian Martin “…once again heavily armed and equipped police failed to intervene when that militia violence was carried on in front of them.”
23.31
Super: Ian MartinUNAMET Head of Mission ….It is crucial that even at this late stage, concrete and effective steps can be taken by Indonesia to control the militias.”
23.40
2s police from behind UPSOTBehind the scenes local Indonesian army commanders order the police not to stop the violence while Indonesia’s military assures concerned world leaders that it is doing everything it can to keep the peace.
23.55-24.10
Super: Brig.Gen. SudrajatIndonesian Military Spokesman Sudrajat: “The Indonesian army is effortless, it never stops promoting peace and security in East Timor.”
24.11
Militia go by on trucks UPSOT truck soundIn reality, the militias are implementing stage one of the strategy drawn up in Jakarta months ago.
24.23
Pan of refugees Across East Timor, thousands take refuge in the churches, the traditional places of sanctuary during Indonesian crackdowns.
24.33
In the town of Suai, a day’s drive from the capital, 2,000 people are living with Father Hilario, in the half-built Catholic church.
24.44-24.58
Woman black shirt Woman in black T-shirt: “We were still threatened by the militia up till now. We can not go home now because we are not safe from the abuse of the militias.”
25.02
Sunlight through church UPSOTThey hope the presence of the UN mission will protect them.
25.07-25.35
Man in yellow striped shirt: “With the arrival of Unamet now we are all happy because it shows us that the international world is taking care of us, because if they didn’t - it would be like before.”
25.37
Father Hilario knows their lives are on the line.
25.41-25.55
Hilario Super: Father Hilario Catholic Priest Father Hilario: “ People now afraid because there are many, many rumours, but after they vote, they will do something, what thing I don’t know. Maybe they want to attack people they said.” As reports come in from the countryside, church leaders in Dili are becoming worried.
26.04-26.21
Super: Father Yusef AgungIndonesian Priest Father Yusef: “I met Father Hilario first on August the 10th and August 17th. He told me the situation was desperate because people in the church …
26.22-26.30
had not enough food and sometimes had not enough water because the militias cut the water system there.”
26.31
Refugees past soldier truck Those who can head for the cantonment areas, hoping they’ll be safe but most people can’t escape the militia violence. Falintil’s fighters are frustrated, and are questioning the cantoment policy. Falintil’s liaison to UNAMET, Riak Limon took part in the debate.
26.51-27.16
Super: Riak LimonFalintil-UN Liaison Riak ‘At that time there were 2 choices: do you want self determination, or do you want to prolong the war? …the commander Taur Matan Ruak explained that it was better to sacrifice some supporters, than have Falintil come down, because the instruction from Xanana was don’t fight. And these 2 choices: let all the people die together, or try not to fight to get our independence.
27.17
Super: Colin StewartUN Political Officer “Here was the group that ......had defended the Timorese people throughout 24 years…
27.25-27.45
and here they were, in their hour of great need, and Falintil, rather than coming to the people’s defence, were staying in their cantonment.…the people were pleading with them to come and help them and in some cases were upset with them when they wouldn’t come. It was an extremely traumatic time for Falintil”
27.47
Super: Ular ReikFalintil Commander “We felt angry, but we couldn’t do anything as we didn’t have orders to and because we wanted to stick to the agreement. ….
27.54-28.29
We continued to follow the agreement and that’s why we didn’t take action.….But the decision taken by the UN gave the enemy an advantage. They could do anything, because there was no provision for the security of the people while Falintil were in the cantonments.”
28.30
Traffic circle, Jakarta Xanana Gusmao, has been transferred from jail to house arrest in Jakarta. As president of the umbrella organisation of all pro-independence groups – the CNRT - he once again appeals for international peacekeepers:“
28.45-29.12
Super Xanana GusmaoFalintil Commander in Chief
I warned the international community and the United Nations about this problem. And many people that met me before the consultation asked me about the documents. I told them we know well the Indonesian, the Indonesian people, the Indonesian mentality, the Indonesian behaviour, TNI (army) behaviour, TNI (army) mentality.”
29.13
“I asked for an protection force.It is to avoid the escalation of the chaos that happened…
29.26
At a very crucial time, we...Were not listened to, But I warned the international community.
29.42
People run UPSOT – street violenceAs the world watches, the violence escalates. Falintil’s men stay in the cantonments as chaos breaks out across East Timor.
29.55
Super: 29 August 1999 Falur & Eurico walk in UN On the eve of the referendum, Falintil leaders are called in to save the vote. UNAMET brings all sides together in a final bid to broker a cease-fire and warns that voting will be postponed if the violence doesn’t stop.
30.11-30.34
Super: Falur Rate La’ekFalintil Commander Falur: “My thoughts were concentrated on how to get to the vote on the 30. My mind was concentrated on the problem and on how to discuss it with them.”“In my two meetings with the militia leaders, we discussed a lot, and I understand them, that they have been manipulated. The Indonesians play with them.”
31.02-31-16
MS Falur speakingBT2 “This war has no winner or loser...in any war there are many mistakes... and we acknowledge our mistakes.”“We will abide by the terms of the agreement. Yesterday we discussed it with Xanana.” 30.36-31.01
Super: Ian MartinUNAMET Head of Mission “I asked all sides to live up to their responsibility before history by respecting the democratic process. It is essential that the people of East Timor can vote in conditions free of intimidation and violence.”
31.17
Ian hugs Falintil goodbye A cease-fire is agreed, but within hours, Becora is again the flashpoint.
31.42-32.18
Marcos and the axe Independence supporters are ready for trouble. A well-known member of the Aitarak militia, Placido Menezes, rides by to taunt them.
Super: Joao da Silva Youth leaderJoao drags Placido “Placido passed by on a motorbike, wearing a militia T-shirt and trying to get a reaction from the young people sitting there. The youth attacked him, he hit a tree and fell down. I saved him. Then I dragged him, I thought he was dead but he was still alive. I put him in a taxi and asked the driver to take him to the hospital.
32.19
Militia open coffin Woman screams on floorShow corpse Man cries with hankercheif When Placido is later found dead, the militia demands the arrest of Joao Da Silva.
32.27-32.52
Super: Eurico GutterresMilitia Leader “I want peace, but what kind of peace is happening right now? We just made peace with Falintil, and we walk out of the Unamet base and one of my members gets murdered and dumped.”“...If they want civil war to happen, I will be ready to face them.
32.53-33.16
Super: Colin StewartUN Political Officer “…Eurico demanded that Joao be brought to justice. He threatened that if he didn’t that he would launch a campaign of violence that would completely disrupt the vote. Now this was only days before vote. We had managed to get this far but only barely.”
33.17
Xanana Gusmao orders Falintil’s liason officer, Riak Limon to convince Joao to give himself up.But even though the pro-independence youth support Falintil, they won’t let Joao go.
33.34-33.47
Joao:In: Maubere hau…“And they said I could not go because Eurico had already killed many people- and why hadn’t he been arrested?”
33.52-34.21
SUPER: Riak LimonFalintil-UN Liaison “That is why the youth must be informed to spread out. Joao must come with me and his problem will be over. Whoever is leading the youth follow me so there won’t be anymore problems. Let the police handle the security.”
34.22
As Riak negotiates with the police. Joao undergoes the Lulik ritual. Like the Falintil fighters he admires, he believes it will protect him from danger.
34.36-34.47
“I could have escaped if I didn’t want to follow Xanana’s order but I respect him as my commander, as my president, so I had to follow him (his orders).”
34.48-35.20
Super: Xanana GusmaoFalintil Commander in ChiefProtestors walk awaySunset shot, Leland “It is the same difficulties I faced when I ordered Falintil not to react - same. It was necessary... We knew that the reconciliation process was so difficult. … I knew that Joao could accept such advice. I am very sure that he understood me. He understood me.
35.25
Super: August 30 On the day of the referendum, militia violence fails to intimidate the voters. The turnout was more 90%.
35.35-35.40
Woman with glasses Woman with glasses:‘I feel happy we will determine the destiny of East Timor. I’m not scared, East Timor must be free.”
35.50-35.58
Hands hold vote cards low Old man: (English) “We’ve been waiting 24 years to have the right to this ballot.
36.05-36.16
people wait at door Man with beard: “Today I feel very happy as I have suffered at the gates of Hell - so the time has come for me to go to ... Heaven.”
36.22-36.30
Woman in wheelchair Woman in queue “I don’t feel scared even if we die, because it is our land. I feel good, because today is our day.”
36.31-36.35
Super: James Dunn, Former Australian Consul “One of the people said, ‘Its like going to a wedding. And the other one said, ‘Oh no - this time it’s a divorce!”
36.38-36.57
Woman holds vote Lady owner: “We can express our feelings today, that’s why we feel very happy. Yes we’re scared (though) because there are rumours that there will be more militia activity around here.”
36.58
man secures ballot box boxes loaded into car UN car drives away As UNAMET delivers the ballots to Dili for counting, East Timor is braced for the worst.
37.11
Super date: 31 August 1999Ws militia funeral Falintil tries to avert the inevitable by sending a delegation to the funeral of slain militia-man Placido Menezes.
37.22-37.49
Super: Eurico GutterresMilitia Leader ‘This afternoon we have come to this funeral ceremony of our friend, our relative, my member Placido Menezes, who passed away on August 29, 1999, in Becora market because of the attack by the pro-independence youth.’
37.50
CU Eurico looks mean Eurico and flowers Riak Limon joins independence leaders to pay their respects.
37.58-38.10
Super: Riak LimonFalintil-UN Liaison “If you were at all afraid, you wouldn’t have gone in there. Our lives were at stake.”
38.11
Men shovel dirt onto coffin3 militia men salute The gesture fails to stop Jakarta’s plan.
38.12-38.29
Super: Riak LimonFalintil-UN Liaison “Everybody knew that the Indonesian military would do bad things. And we had to warn the people to escape - but the time that we had was too short and we failed to get them out.”
38.30
Pro-independence man gets hacked by militia Having failed to scare off voters, provoke the Falintil or prevent the vote, Indonesia now implements the final stage of the plan: the killing of independence leaders.
39.00
Super: 4 September 1999Militias run towards camera It takes five days for East Timor’s voters to find out the result and militia violence becomes so fierce, UNAMET staff are forced out of the country-side into Dili. Churches across East Timor take in thousands of people.Hundreds are at Dili’s St Josephs seminary when the result comes through on the radio.
39.25-39.36
Man waits hand on chin UPSOT priest on microphonePriest: “78% in favor of pro-independence..”
39.57
Their dream has finally come true but the people are still afraidUPSOT - prayer
40.04-40.13
Merdeka WomanMerdeka woman and the crowd “Total independence for us Timorese. Now you can force them to leave East Timor – right now! Don’t come here to fight. Get out! Now Timor is free. (40.14) Viva Timor L’este!
40.23-40.37
Super: Father Yusef AgungIndonesian Priest “Although I’m an Indonesian citizen, I can join the people to celebrate this day, the independence. It’s great for us all, it’s great for Indonesia, its great for the world!”
40.39
Plane with Indo reinforcements Indonesia sends in military reinforcements. They fan out across the island.As dusk settles, Timor’s triumph becomes tragedy. Houses are ablaze. Indonesia’s army unleashes the militias. The final stage of the secret plan that Thomas Goncalves handed over to Falintil three months ago, is about to begin.
41.05-41.31
Super: Tomas GoncalvesPro-Indonesia Leader They distributed an official document on May 1st saying that they would attack the whole of Dili, kill all the independence leaders, their families and supporters. And if the people went to the churches, to seek protection, they would kill them, and kill the priests and nuns.
41.33
The first targets are the homes and the families of the pro-independence CNRT leadership.
41.41-41.47
woman praying: “Father, they are torturing your children… in the name of Jesus…”
41.49
Systematically, they’re driven from their homes. Entire families seek refuge around Unamet headquarters but Unamet can’t protect them.
42.03
Militias attack the Mahkota Hotel, where most foreign journalists are based.
42.11
Indonesian soldiers and police once again don’t disarm the militias.
42.17
Jakarta wants the journalists out - it doesn’t want the world to see what will happen next.
42.26
*SCTV Tape The militia and Indonesian troops force people out of the capital Dili and refugees are forced out of the home ofNobel peace-prize laureate Bishop Carlos Belo.Bishop Belo is then taken out of the country.People are forced across the border to the Indonesian province of West Timor. Others escape to the mountain and many disappear.
42.48
Thousands escape to the mountains. Many independence supporters disappear. The militias loot and destroy Dili.
43.07
For days, the United Nations compound is under attack until UNAMET decides to evacuate all staff to Darwin, Australia, along with the last foreign media.
43.22
Refugees behind wire BT5d 09.26Refugees file past soldiers The people of East Timor are now alone. Hundreds of thousands of people are on the move. Indonesia’s 'final solution' is in full swing.
43.35
WS church In Suai, hundreds of families are still sheltering with Father Hilario.Falintil veteran, Furiel Martino, who has been sending desperate reports back to the cantonments.
43.47-43.54
Super: Furiel MartinoFalintil Veteran “We had hoped to be saved by UNAMET, but now they had left. Some (people) were heart-broken. And we had to find some way to escape.”
43.55-43.09
Exterior Suai church frontSuper: Massacre WitnessThrough church window frame “At 9 o’clock Furiel Martino and 300 people got out of the church and left.” “And Father Hilario said all of you go back to your homes because later the church will be flattened.”
44.10
A combined force of Indonesian troops and police surround the church, and order the militias through to attack. The slaughter lasts through the night.
44.21
Father Hilario and hundreds of others are killed. Hundreds of people are reported missing.
44.28-44.38
Super: Massacre Witness “They started shooting, and the people started running and Father Hilario was moaning because they were stomping on him.”
44.41-44.47
Super: Massacre Witness "One man said, 'kill the men and rape the women!'”
44.47-45.12
Corrugated iron interior
“I saw bodies stacked up, I found a pair of jeans, and I tried to kick them, but (found) it was a dead person. And I prayed for them. I saw many dead lying around on the ground.“
45.13-45.29
3 Hino trucks were loaded with dead bodies. They couldn’t fit them all on. EDIT: The cars were full and I heard the sound of some people still alive and screaming.”
45.13-45.45
Super: Furiel MartinoFalintil Veteran “I never saw anything like this. They burned the church and killed our priest. Father Hilario was a man who had supported Falintil for 24 years.”
45.48
Falintil’s discipline is pushed to breaking point. Taur Matan Ruak talks to Xanana Gusmao in Jakarta via satellite phone. He demands the right to defend the people who are begging for protection.
46.04
Xanana threatens to resign if the fighters leave the base. The cantonment holds.
46.27-46.42
Super: Colin StewartUN Political Affairs Officer “Against great pressure and I think it got quite close to breaking, they stayed in their cantonments, which I think was absolutely critical to international support and ultimately to resolving the situation.” 46.12-46.26
Super: Taur Matan RuakFalintil Chief of Staff It wasn’t very easy for people to restrain themselves. It’s enough to understand that the majority of the guerrillas have family involved. I myself have, and may of us don’t even know what’s happened to our own families. Imagine the despair of our people at this time.
46.47
Super:September1999 Two weeks later Falintil’s heartbreaking gamble pays off. Indonesia accepts an intervention force, led by Australia, called INTERFET.But under the UN-brokered deal, Interfet troops deploy into a diplomatic minefield. They have to work with Indonesia’s army to restore order.
47.10-47.22
Super: General CosgroveINTERFET Commanderc/a General Kiki Syanakri “This is not a time for idle threats, this is a time for the force to arrive, and to get about its task of helping to create a secure environment. ….while doing so sensitively. “
47.23
Interfet troops discover caches of weapons in buildings used as militia headquarters. The militiamen scatter, most heading for Indonesian territory of West Timor.
47.34
Interfet patrols start to round up any armed men they find.
47.41-47.48
Along the street people scream Militia are led by Woman on the street: “You are the ones who have been very cruel. You are the ones who wanted to kill us and chase us to the mountains. Kill them! Shame on you! You dog!”
47.57
Evidence of the militia rampage is everywhere. Hundreds of bodies are discovered. Thousands more are still missing.
48.07-48.17
Super: CNRT Member CNRT member:“I felt very sad and I was crying when I saw there was blood everywhere and dead bodies everywhere.”
48.18-48.26
CA to boys back with scar “The militia came in shooting at us and slashing us with machetes.”
48.31-48.36
“It is good that my husband is buried close to us so the children will not miss him.”
48.38
Unarmed Falintil soldiers leave their cantonments to investigate the atrocities
48.45-48.56
Super: Falur Rate La’ekFalintil Commander “As guerrillas, our hearts were broken because we had weapons and we allowed our people to be killed anyway. That really broke our hearts.”
49.03-49.12
“For those who died without sin,We pray to God to have them by his side because they loved their country, they died defending their country from Indonesia.”
49.13-49.31
Super: Taur Matan RuakFalintil Chief of Staff “It shocked me enormously, not just what happened in Dili but what happened everywhere. For those who saw Dili; for those who want to fight for democracy; and for an independent land; it was shocking. It was very shocking.”
49.32
But Indonesia hasn’t finished yet.The army sets out to destroy East Timor’s infrastructure, burning more buildings to the ground and removing evidence of its’ complicity.
49.44
Interfet soldiers can only stand by in confusion, as the world finally understands what the East Timorese have been saying for weeks— the Indonesian army has no intention of stopping the destruction.
49.58
Another house burns The building next door is burning, but the Indonesian soldier says it has nothing to do with him.
50.04-50.13
CA Indonesian soldiers. Aussie soldier “Well if there’s any more fires, if you see any more fires starting or people walking around with sticks for fire, and they look they look like they are going to light something, could you let us know or let your soldiers know?”“OK, OK!”Upsot house burning
50.14
Red car drives by (slowmo)TNI walk down road casually BT7 Tilt up gun to Indo soldier As Dili burns, international outrage meets with a familiar reaction from Jakarta.
50.21-50.35
Super: Brig. Gen. SudrajatIndonesian Military Spokesman “Once again the military of the Republic of Indonesia doesn’t have any intention to destroy East Timor.I say again this is not the policy of the military, is not the policy of the government. This is done by Indonesian soldiers who have an emotional tie with the local people. “
50.37
Interfet special forces storm the Indonesian army headquarters, chasing militia out.
50.44
The Indonesians respond by destroying everything that’s left.
50.50
As the Indonesians leave, independence supporters move in, searching for documents to prove Jakarta orchestrated the violence.
50.59-51.07
Super: Falur Rate La’ekFalintil Commander “Because they go from one city to the next city and just pass by. They do not stay to provide security in those cities, so the militia and Indonesian military use this opportunity to continue to kill people.”
51.08
Super: Taur Matan RuakFalintil Chief of Staff Falintil commander Taur Matan Ruak is once again pushed to breaking point. He talks to refugees who feel abandoned by Falintil - and he knows their lives are still in danger.
51.21-51.35
“Look, it seems like Interfet came here to walk around like tourists. I have asked Interfet to give these people security. They go around with cars, they go around with helicopters, they don’t care about the security of the people. They need security. I insist on it!…
51.36
Finally, Falintil commanders order more patrols to move out into the areas around the bases. They want to find the remaining pockets of militias, organise food for the refugees, and protect those still at risk.
51.52
But by leaving the bases, Falintil sets up a direct confrontation with the multinational force
51.58
Interfet has orders to arrest anyone with arms –…
52.06
and they can’t tell the difference between the militias and Falintil – only the East Timorese can.
52.13-52.38
Super: Falur Rate La’ekFalintil Commander “Our task in city was to go there not to fight, but to organise the logistics for the starving people, But then Interfet disarmed us, and we think that is not right, it was the wrong attitude and that is why we will force them to return our weapons.”
52.39
The diplomatic resolution for Falintil, is to return to the cantonments. Some militia-men have sought their protection from the local people.
52.50-53.07
Super: Militia recruit “The villagers told me – we will just beat you, we wont kill you because we’re angry! We will bring you to the Falintil Commander to save your life. If you stay here you will die.”
53.09
Soldiers guard militia in circle Victory is near, but not quite complete.
53.13
Super: Xanana GusmaoFalintil Commander in Chief “The United Nations are not the saviours. We fought during 24 years…
53.24-53.37
we wanted to make it clear that Falintil is a liberation army, and they have to respect our history. They have to respect our struggle.”
53.38
In the days and weeks ahead, the people of East Timor return to their towns and villages, to start rebuilding their homes and their shattered lives. Joao Da Silva joins the survivors.
53.55
CRNT president Xanana Gusmao leads the negotiations with the UN over the timetable for the transition to independence.
54.03
After 470 years of colonialism by Portugal and 24 years of occupation by Indonesia, East Timor is finally free.
54.17
Super date: 29 October 1999 The Falintil’s long struggle with the Indonesian military comes to an end, when the Indonesian legislature repeals its annexation of East Timor on October 20th, and the last of the Indonesian forces are withdrawn. The occupation is over.
54.33-54.48
Super: Leki Naha Foho Rai BootFalintil Vice-commander “We never thought to surrender. We never thought that we would lose this war. We always thought we would win, because East Timor does not belong to Indonesia. It is our country.”
54.54
Falintil has won its final battle - discipline has won over extreme provocation.
55.07
In the end, these heroes of the resistance movement have beaten their enemies by refusing to join the war.
55.13
Suai Church The church at Suai is once again a holy place, consecrated by a mass to remember the dead. Bishop Carlos Belo remembers his close friend Father Hilario and the hundreds who were killed, yet he urges the people to look towards the future.
55.30-55.59
Super:Bishop Carlos Belo Bishop Belo sermon: "Since September we have all suffered. Your houses in Suai are burnt and my house in Dili is also burnt. But as Christians, don't take revenge. Let's bury the past and those bad memories and welcome the future with joy. Thank the lord that we are still alive and that we have overcome the violence and suffering.”
56.02
Singing UPSOT singing
56.07
Even Indonesians were outraged. Father Yusef stayed behind to protect people who hid in his church
56.17-56.29
Super:Father Yusef AgingIndonesian Priest "I do hope that these kind of atrocities, these kind of violence, violence will not be happen again. Not only in East Timor, not only in Indonesia, but in the world.”
56.33
Xanana walks and meets villages in countryside Xanana Gusmao makes a homecoming pilgrimage around the countryside. Xanana preaches reconciliation with Indonesia, on all levels, as soon as possible. The years of resistance are over.
56.55-57.32
Xanana: We showed ourselves that our people could do it. We showed that we are a brave people who resisted for 24 years of struggle. Even on the day that you - the people of East Timor - became free, you still cry and still wear clothes of mourning.Viva Timor Loro-sae!' Viva Falintil
Music seq – End credits
THE END
Produced Directed and Filmed by: Sophie & Lyndal Barry
Production Company: SHOOT Productions
TITLES (over black): East Timor – The Long Road to Freedom
03.06
Aerial from helicopter of mountains Today East Timor is an independent country.This is the harsh story of how the people of this tiny nation achieved what for 500 years had seemed an impossible goal
3.25 helicopter
It is a day that the people of East Timor dreamed of. A dream that kept their hopes alive during 24 years of occupation by Indonesia. The resistance leader Xanana Gusmao is home after 7 years as a prisoner of war in Indonesia.
3.56
He’s returning to the mountain base of his victorious resistance army, the National Resistance Forces for the Liberation of East Timor, known as Falantil.
4.26
Xanana Gusmao This civil servant turned guerrilla fighter has returned to honour his fallen comrades and to rebuild a completely devastated country.
4.36-4.47
Sync: Xanana Gusmao We fought against the Portuguese colonists. We fought all those who tried to colonise us - the martyrs of Falantil.
4.53
Women crying Sadness overcomes the euphoria as Xanana comforts the survivors, including women who fought in the mountains with Falantil and lost husbands and children in the occupation.
5.20
Soldiers marching To win Independence Falantil had to face the enemy by refusing to fight…
6.37
Music, mountain ridge Super date: May 1998 Under Indonesian rule, East Timor is a restricted area. Few outsiders witness the daily life of one of the world’s most inaccessible guerrilla forces.
6.52
The Indonesian army has pushed Falintil high into the mountains, but it has not been able to destroy it.Vastly outnumbered Falintil now resorts to guerilla tactics against one of the most powerful armies in Asia.
07.06
Ruak and map Ruak interview: Super: Taur Matan RuakFalintil Chief of Staff Commandant Taur Matan Ruak is Falintil’s Chief-of-Staff. He controls around a thousand fighters based high in the mountains. His Commander-in-Chief, Xanana Gusmao, is six years into a 20-year sentence for subversion in an Indonesian jail, but his orders regularly reach Ruak and Falintil fights on.
07.29-07.52
IN:”Que pisadi nos… “…although we want peace, we are not pacifists, we are a military and this war was imposed on us. For our self defence, we took up arms.OUT:…nos armes”
07.55-08.16
“Our struggle has already taken 23 years - a struggle which has stolen many lives. But we never lost hope and we will continue to struggle until East Timor gains its independence.”
08.18
CU feet through water UPSOT: river walkThe resistance is split into four regional commands. In the face of Indonesian attacks they’ve given up trying to maintain fixed bases and now patrol in mobile units of a few men.
08.30
Their tactics are to monitor the movements of the Indonesian military, ambushing patrols when they can, capturing weapons, sabotaging equipment and harassng the enemy.
08.42-08.49
Subtitle Radio discussion UPSOT: radio with Indonesians IN: “Disini bagus…Falintil: “It’s better to go back home, then Timor will be peaceful.”
08.51-08.52
Indonesian Army: “You shits, you shits, you shits!”
08.53-08.57
Falintil: “Speak politely. We’re both human.”
08.58-08.59
Indonesian Army: “Who are you?”
09.00-09.06
Falintil: “We’re the guys you’ve been looking for, day and night. The ones you call terrorists.”OUT:…porgay disana.”
09.09
Hunting, meat arrives WS clandestine suppliesSuper: Taur Matan RuakFalintil Chief of Staff They live off the land and depend on clandestine support for basic supplies, and military intelligence.
09.15
Many people risk their lives to support Falintil. When they look to the mountains they know their dreams of freedom are alive.
09.23-09.30
Ruak: IN: “A frente…“The clandestine front is very important and has always been the base of our resistance, because without this popular support we couldn’t survive. “OUT:…survive”.
09.34
Soldiers file past with guns
Falintil fighters get their weapons from the enemy – each gun represents one dead Indonesian soldier.
09.41-09.58
Super: Ular Reik Falintil Commander Ular:IN:”Comprerer…”Like other liberation movements we need weapons, but unlike other liberation movements, we don’t receive any arms from outside.”OUT:…segundas reado”
10.01
Soldiers cook food Messages smuggled out of the mountains keep them in contact with their families —and with their Commander-in-chief, Xanana Gusmao even when he is in prison in far away Jakarta.
10.17
Soldiers with gun on table In July 1998, the Falintil’s four regional commands travel from their distant operation areas for a rare strategy session.
10.26
Jakarta is in turmoil: Indonesian student demonstrations have already forced President Suharto to resign. They are now demanding full democracy.
10.42
CU string on cocks’ footLeki blesses cockfight Fighting cocks are blessed by Falintil Commander, Leki Naha Foho Rai Boot.He is also a revered Lulik master.
11.11
CU lighting candle Leki and soldier praySuper:Leki Naha Foho Rai Boot Falintil Vice-Commander Many Falintil soldiers credit their survival to the power of Lulik, which combines traditional Animist beliefs with Catholic symbolism.
11.27
Leki lost his fingertips in a grenade blast. He believes Lulik saved his life. Now, as a Lulik master, he blesses the talisman that will protect his soldiers.
11.43-11.53
Leki:In: “Ton-ee-ba…“Whether you’re in the dark, faced with weapons, knives, planes, cars, hands or other dangerous things, you will not be killed.”Out: …la-oho.”
11.54
Soldiers for salute When the virtually destroyed Falintil regrouped under Xanana Gusmao’s leadership in the early eighties, it developed a dual strategy:Xanana fostered an urban student underground movement and replenished Falintil’s forces with East Timorese men who had been conscripted into the Indonesian army.
12.15
Commandante Falur Rate La’ek was a soldier in the Indonesian military. He defected to Falintil in 1983 with an entire battalion.
12.26-12.46
Super:Falur Rate La’ekFalintil Commander In: Quante per dias…“…In the villages, when I saw the arbitrary killings of the people by the Indonesian forces - the ill treatment, forced labour, starvation and death - then I realised it was a grave injustice.” OUT:…di-sen-o.”
12.47
Ruak + Sebeeka + radio On August 4th 1998, Falintil is on the brink of victory. Indonesia and Portugal start negotiations for a United Nations-supervised referendum on East Timor’s future.
13.01
The radio exchanges between Falintil and the Indonesian army, take a dramatic turn.
13.06-13.26
CU Amanuallo listens Indonesians: In: “Tidak apa…That’s right. Later they will be more open to the people about what the problems are. After that there is going to be a tripartite between Indonesia, Portugal and the UN. So now it’s just a closed meeting between leaders, over.”Out: …porgun”
13.27-13.30
Falintil: In: “Apa…We already know about the meeting. We already know what the governor said - …
13.32-13.35
In: “Eh ini… …he also backs the idea of an referendum for East Timor.” OUT:…Timor Timur ba.”
13.37- 13.55
RuakSuper:Taur Matan RuakFalintil Chief of Staff Ruak: IN:”Sa povo…“We will never accept a cease-fire offered by the Indonesians, unless the process is under the United Nations, the cease-fire must be internationalised.”OUT: …internationale.”
13.56
Aerial shot of mountains On May the 5th 1999, news of a breakthrough reaches the mountains: the United Nations will hold a referendum to find out if East Timor’s people want to become independent. They finally have a chance to end 24 years of Indonesian occupation peacefully.
14.16
Falur walks towards camera The vote is scheduled for August 30th - but Falintil discovers that Indonesia’s military plans to subvert the vote to make sure that East Timor remains under Indonesian control.
14.28-15.10
Ular Super: Ular ReikFalintil Commander Ular: IN:”Si…“Before April we saw the secret documents and knew the plans the Indonesian military would implement... “And finally if they did not succeed in intimidating our people, they would evacuate the families and those with them to West Timor.”OUT: …Timor occidental.”
15.12
Militia on motorbikes Indonesia’s military begins preparing and arming civilian militias to wage a campaign of terror.When droves of militia-men patrol the city, the streets empty. East Timor’s pro-Indonesia leader, Tomas Goncalves, goes to Jakarta to receive orders from Defence Minister General Wiranto.
15.36-16.11
Super:Tomas Goncalves: Pro-Indonesia Leader IN:”Bulang Abri…“ In April when we went to Jakarta, we wanted to meet with Wiranto but the vice commander of the Indonesian defence forces said ‘Bapak Wiranto knows about everything already’.” “He talked directly with us about all the programs... like forming the militia, giving us the arms and the money as required.” …and they said: “You militias have to stand out in front and we Indonesians will help you from behind.” “The military said if they could provoke the people, then Falintil would come down, so they could inform the world that this was only a civil war between Timorese.”OUT: … otonomi harus.”
16.14
Super: May 1999Writers write letters Shocked by the extent of Jakarta’s plans for East Timor, Goncalves gives Falintil the Indonesian military documents and then flees the country. Xanana Gusmao orders his fighters to build base camps – called “cantonments”. He says they can keep their weapons, but they’ll have to stay put until East Timor decides its future.
16.37-16.45
Super:Taur Matan Ruak Falintil Chief of Staff IN:”generade…“Our cantonment policy was not negotiable - it was demanded by Xanana Gusmao.”OUT: …Xanana Gusmao.”
16.56
Soldiers build the hut Commandant Ular Reik says the resistance fighters gradually realised that in order to defeat Indonesia, they would have to refuse to fight.
16.58-17.26
Super: Ular ReikFalintil Commander IN: “Maybere bes…“Starting from the United Nations agreement of May 5th, our forces were always restricted to our bases. We couldn’t go out. We knew the Indonesians were provoking us to see how Falintil would react. If there was a reaction from the Falintil side, the situation would have deteriorated.”OUT: …vi-piora.”
17.27
Super Date: July 1999UN helicopter arrives Soldiers stand to attention UPSOT helicopterThe United Nations mission in East Timor called UNAMET, arrives to oversee the referendum with unarmed international police. They will have to work alongside armed Indonesian police, who under the deal negotiated in New York, are in charge of security
17.48-17.55
Super:Taur Matan RuakFalintil Chief of Staff. IN: “Permitee…“Does this give the United Nations a continued capacity to intervene anywhere?”OUT:…un tolus.”
17.57-18.10
Super: Lu OloRepresentative Fretilin Presidential Council IN: “Maiya…“As we heard from the east to the west, if pro-independence win - blood will flow…We relied on Unamet to take responsibility for the process and to make the decisions.”OUT: …na-ima ima.”
18.10-18.32
Falintil soldiers depart saluteSuper: Colin Stewart UNAMET Political Officer Colin: “Clearly what Falintil was aiming to do with their cantonment……was to completely remove the Indonesian argument that they were on one side of a violent confrontation between two factions of the East Timorese population
18.33
Frederico wide chest shot UPSOT Original musicWithout the power to protect their people, Falintil’s fighters are about to face their biggest challenge.
19.01
Chest with tattoo and lulik
UPSOT original music
19.10
UPSOT: Campaign singing
19.19
Super date: August 1999 The referendum campaign is now underway and East Timor’s voters will choose between independence from Indonesia or more autonomy. For the first time the independence movement campaigns freely and a giddy confidence takes over but Falintil’s leaders are worried.
19.30
Thanks to Tomas Goncalves, they know their supporters will be targeted by Indonesian troops and neither the UN nor Falintil will be able to defend them.
19.38
They’re afraid their youth groups will take matters into their own hands to protect the people.
19.45
But they also know, somehow peace must be maintained for the vote to gain international acceptance.
19.55
2-shot Eurico and woman UPSOT – Song: "Good Golly Miss Molly…"The pro-autonomy supporters don’t want to lose the benefits of Indonesian rule, and as civil servants and business- men they want to make sure East Timor stays in Indonesia.
20.05
The militias support the pro-autonomy movement.UPSOT - "Good Golly Miss Molly"
20.10
Eurico and mate on stage Eurico Gutterres leads the Dili-based militia Aitarak. Its one of the many gangs Indonesia’s military has set up in each of East Timor’s 13 districts.
20.21-20.33
Super: Eurico Gutterres Militia Leader
Eurico: “....if they win how can they force me to join their East Timor? Where are my rights? Human rights means it’s my right to decide.”
20.34
militia walk by at HQ Hundreds of men have been recruited by the militias. Some volunteered, some were paid, and some were forced, under threat of death.
20.45-21.07
Super: Luis Militia Recruit IN: “Sira…“They forced us by saying that if you do not join the militia, we will come to kill you, burn your house and destroy your family! So you have to join or try to escape (to the jungle)…” OUT: …aman”
21.07-21.13
IN: “Nay mak…“…We were afraid so we joined. We thought it was a good idea.”OUT: …ami taman”
21.15
Eurico on motorbike UPSOT: motorbikeAugust 26th the pro-autonomy rally in Dili ends with dozens of militiamen pouring into Becora. The Aitarak militia goes on a rampage.
21.32
Pro-independence at bridgeMilitia shooting The pro-independence youth are also armed, not with guns, but with home made weapons.
21.47
The militias provoke, the independence movement reacts - it’s a pattern that will be repeated too many times.
21.59
Pro-independ & Indo police Heavily armed police do nothing to stop the militia-men. Instead they focus on the pro-independence Becora youth groups. Indonesia insists on remaining in charge of security during the referendum, And in a trade-off to get Jakarta to accept the vote, the United Nations has agreed to a fatally flawed plan.
Clinic patient wheeled in UPSOT: women cry and wail
22.42-23.00
Emiliano Emiliano “I don’t understand, the riot police came here to stand in the middle, but they just let the militia shoot and kill us - they even put them there deliberately to kill us.”
23.01
WS clinic inpatients 3 days before the vote, the head of the United Nations force –UNAMET– calls on Jakarta to reign in the militias.
23.20
Audio: Ian Martin “…once again heavily armed and equipped police failed to intervene when that militia violence was carried on in front of them.”
23.31
Super: Ian MartinUNAMET Head of Mission ….It is crucial that even at this late stage, concrete and effective steps can be taken by Indonesia to control the militias.”
23.40
2s police from behind UPSOTBehind the scenes local Indonesian army commanders order the police not to stop the violence while Indonesia’s military assures concerned world leaders that it is doing everything it can to keep the peace.
23.55-24.10
Super: Brig.Gen. SudrajatIndonesian Military Spokesman Sudrajat: “The Indonesian army is effortless, it never stops promoting peace and security in East Timor.”
24.11
Militia go by on trucks UPSOT truck soundIn reality, the militias are implementing stage one of the strategy drawn up in Jakarta months ago.
24.23
Pan of refugees Across East Timor, thousands take refuge in the churches, the traditional places of sanctuary during Indonesian crackdowns.
24.33
In the town of Suai, a day’s drive from the capital, 2,000 people are living with Father Hilario, in the half-built Catholic church.
24.44-24.58
Woman black shirt Woman in black T-shirt: “We were still threatened by the militia up till now. We can not go home now because we are not safe from the abuse of the militias.”
25.02
Sunlight through church UPSOTThey hope the presence of the UN mission will protect them.
25.07-25.35
Man in yellow striped shirt: “With the arrival of Unamet now we are all happy because it shows us that the international world is taking care of us, because if they didn’t - it would be like before.”
25.37
Father Hilario knows their lives are on the line.
25.41-25.55
Hilario Super: Father Hilario Catholic Priest Father Hilario: “ People now afraid because there are many, many rumours, but after they vote, they will do something, what thing I don’t know. Maybe they want to attack people they said.” As reports come in from the countryside, church leaders in Dili are becoming worried.
26.04-26.21
Super: Father Yusef AgungIndonesian Priest Father Yusef: “I met Father Hilario first on August the 10th and August 17th. He told me the situation was desperate because people in the church …
26.22-26.30
had not enough food and sometimes had not enough water because the militias cut the water system there.”
26.31
Refugees past soldier truck Those who can head for the cantonment areas, hoping they’ll be safe but most people can’t escape the militia violence. Falintil’s fighters are frustrated, and are questioning the cantoment policy. Falintil’s liaison to UNAMET, Riak Limon took part in the debate.
26.51-27.16
Super: Riak LimonFalintil-UN Liaison Riak ‘At that time there were 2 choices: do you want self determination, or do you want to prolong the war? …the commander Taur Matan Ruak explained that it was better to sacrifice some supporters, than have Falintil come down, because the instruction from Xanana was don’t fight. And these 2 choices: let all the people die together, or try not to fight to get our independence.
27.17
Super: Colin StewartUN Political Officer “Here was the group that ......had defended the Timorese people throughout 24 years…
27.25-27.45
and here they were, in their hour of great need, and Falintil, rather than coming to the people’s defence, were staying in their cantonment.…the people were pleading with them to come and help them and in some cases were upset with them when they wouldn’t come. It was an extremely traumatic time for Falintil”
27.47
Super: Ular ReikFalintil Commander “We felt angry, but we couldn’t do anything as we didn’t have orders to and because we wanted to stick to the agreement. ….
27.54-28.29
We continued to follow the agreement and that’s why we didn’t take action.….But the decision taken by the UN gave the enemy an advantage. They could do anything, because there was no provision for the security of the people while Falintil were in the cantonments.”
28.30
Traffic circle, Jakarta Xanana Gusmao, has been transferred from jail to house arrest in Jakarta. As president of the umbrella organisation of all pro-independence groups – the CNRT - he once again appeals for international peacekeepers:“
28.45-29.12
Super Xanana GusmaoFalintil Commander in Chief
I warned the international community and the United Nations about this problem. And many people that met me before the consultation asked me about the documents. I told them we know well the Indonesian, the Indonesian people, the Indonesian mentality, the Indonesian behaviour, TNI (army) behaviour, TNI (army) mentality.”
29.13
“I asked for an protection force.It is to avoid the escalation of the chaos that happened…
29.26
At a very crucial time, we...Were not listened to, But I warned the international community.
29.42
People run UPSOT – street violenceAs the world watches, the violence escalates. Falintil’s men stay in the cantonments as chaos breaks out across East Timor.
29.55
Super: 29 August 1999 Falur & Eurico walk in UN On the eve of the referendum, Falintil leaders are called in to save the vote. UNAMET brings all sides together in a final bid to broker a cease-fire and warns that voting will be postponed if the violence doesn’t stop.
30.11-30.34
Super: Falur Rate La’ekFalintil Commander Falur: “My thoughts were concentrated on how to get to the vote on the 30. My mind was concentrated on the problem and on how to discuss it with them.”“In my two meetings with the militia leaders, we discussed a lot, and I understand them, that they have been manipulated. The Indonesians play with them.”
31.02-31-16
MS Falur speakingBT2 “This war has no winner or loser...in any war there are many mistakes... and we acknowledge our mistakes.”“We will abide by the terms of the agreement. Yesterday we discussed it with Xanana.” 30.36-31.01
Super: Ian MartinUNAMET Head of Mission “I asked all sides to live up to their responsibility before history by respecting the democratic process. It is essential that the people of East Timor can vote in conditions free of intimidation and violence.”
31.17
Ian hugs Falintil goodbye A cease-fire is agreed, but within hours, Becora is again the flashpoint.
31.42-32.18
Marcos and the axe Independence supporters are ready for trouble. A well-known member of the Aitarak militia, Placido Menezes, rides by to taunt them.
Super: Joao da Silva Youth leaderJoao drags Placido “Placido passed by on a motorbike, wearing a militia T-shirt and trying to get a reaction from the young people sitting there. The youth attacked him, he hit a tree and fell down. I saved him. Then I dragged him, I thought he was dead but he was still alive. I put him in a taxi and asked the driver to take him to the hospital.
32.19
Militia open coffin Woman screams on floorShow corpse Man cries with hankercheif When Placido is later found dead, the militia demands the arrest of Joao Da Silva.
32.27-32.52
Super: Eurico GutterresMilitia Leader “I want peace, but what kind of peace is happening right now? We just made peace with Falintil, and we walk out of the Unamet base and one of my members gets murdered and dumped.”“...If they want civil war to happen, I will be ready to face them.
32.53-33.16
Super: Colin StewartUN Political Officer “…Eurico demanded that Joao be brought to justice. He threatened that if he didn’t that he would launch a campaign of violence that would completely disrupt the vote. Now this was only days before vote. We had managed to get this far but only barely.”
33.17
Xanana Gusmao orders Falintil’s liason officer, Riak Limon to convince Joao to give himself up.But even though the pro-independence youth support Falintil, they won’t let Joao go.
33.34-33.47
Joao:In: Maubere hau…“And they said I could not go because Eurico had already killed many people- and why hadn’t he been arrested?”
33.52-34.21
SUPER: Riak LimonFalintil-UN Liaison “That is why the youth must be informed to spread out. Joao must come with me and his problem will be over. Whoever is leading the youth follow me so there won’t be anymore problems. Let the police handle the security.”
34.22
As Riak negotiates with the police. Joao undergoes the Lulik ritual. Like the Falintil fighters he admires, he believes it will protect him from danger.
34.36-34.47
“I could have escaped if I didn’t want to follow Xanana’s order but I respect him as my commander, as my president, so I had to follow him (his orders).”
34.48-35.20
Super: Xanana GusmaoFalintil Commander in ChiefProtestors walk awaySunset shot, Leland “It is the same difficulties I faced when I ordered Falintil not to react - same. It was necessary... We knew that the reconciliation process was so difficult. … I knew that Joao could accept such advice. I am very sure that he understood me. He understood me.
35.25
Super: August 30 On the day of the referendum, militia violence fails to intimidate the voters. The turnout was more 90%.
35.35-35.40
Woman with glasses Woman with glasses:‘I feel happy we will determine the destiny of East Timor. I’m not scared, East Timor must be free.”
35.50-35.58
Hands hold vote cards low Old man: (English) “We’ve been waiting 24 years to have the right to this ballot.
36.05-36.16
people wait at door Man with beard: “Today I feel very happy as I have suffered at the gates of Hell - so the time has come for me to go to ... Heaven.”
36.22-36.30
Woman in wheelchair Woman in queue “I don’t feel scared even if we die, because it is our land. I feel good, because today is our day.”
36.31-36.35
Super: James Dunn, Former Australian Consul “One of the people said, ‘Its like going to a wedding. And the other one said, ‘Oh no - this time it’s a divorce!”
36.38-36.57
Woman holds vote Lady owner: “We can express our feelings today, that’s why we feel very happy. Yes we’re scared (though) because there are rumours that there will be more militia activity around here.”
36.58
man secures ballot box boxes loaded into car UN car drives away As UNAMET delivers the ballots to Dili for counting, East Timor is braced for the worst.
37.11
Super date: 31 August 1999Ws militia funeral Falintil tries to avert the inevitable by sending a delegation to the funeral of slain militia-man Placido Menezes.
37.22-37.49
Super: Eurico GutterresMilitia Leader ‘This afternoon we have come to this funeral ceremony of our friend, our relative, my member Placido Menezes, who passed away on August 29, 1999, in Becora market because of the attack by the pro-independence youth.’
37.50
CU Eurico looks mean Eurico and flowers Riak Limon joins independence leaders to pay their respects.
37.58-38.10
Super: Riak LimonFalintil-UN Liaison “If you were at all afraid, you wouldn’t have gone in there. Our lives were at stake.”
38.11
Men shovel dirt onto coffin3 militia men salute The gesture fails to stop Jakarta’s plan.
38.12-38.29
Super: Riak LimonFalintil-UN Liaison “Everybody knew that the Indonesian military would do bad things. And we had to warn the people to escape - but the time that we had was too short and we failed to get them out.”
38.30
Pro-independence man gets hacked by militia Having failed to scare off voters, provoke the Falintil or prevent the vote, Indonesia now implements the final stage of the plan: the killing of independence leaders.
39.00
Super: 4 September 1999Militias run towards camera It takes five days for East Timor’s voters to find out the result and militia violence becomes so fierce, UNAMET staff are forced out of the country-side into Dili. Churches across East Timor take in thousands of people.Hundreds are at Dili’s St Josephs seminary when the result comes through on the radio.
39.25-39.36
Man waits hand on chin UPSOT priest on microphonePriest: “78% in favor of pro-independence..”
39.57
Their dream has finally come true but the people are still afraidUPSOT - prayer
40.04-40.13
Merdeka WomanMerdeka woman and the crowd “Total independence for us Timorese. Now you can force them to leave East Timor – right now! Don’t come here to fight. Get out! Now Timor is free. (40.14) Viva Timor L’este!
40.23-40.37
Super: Father Yusef AgungIndonesian Priest “Although I’m an Indonesian citizen, I can join the people to celebrate this day, the independence. It’s great for us all, it’s great for Indonesia, its great for the world!”
40.39
Plane with Indo reinforcements Indonesia sends in military reinforcements. They fan out across the island.As dusk settles, Timor’s triumph becomes tragedy. Houses are ablaze. Indonesia’s army unleashes the militias. The final stage of the secret plan that Thomas Goncalves handed over to Falintil three months ago, is about to begin.
41.05-41.31
Super: Tomas GoncalvesPro-Indonesia Leader They distributed an official document on May 1st saying that they would attack the whole of Dili, kill all the independence leaders, their families and supporters. And if the people went to the churches, to seek protection, they would kill them, and kill the priests and nuns.
41.33
The first targets are the homes and the families of the pro-independence CNRT leadership.
41.41-41.47
woman praying: “Father, they are torturing your children… in the name of Jesus…”
41.49
Systematically, they’re driven from their homes. Entire families seek refuge around Unamet headquarters but Unamet can’t protect them.
42.03
Militias attack the Mahkota Hotel, where most foreign journalists are based.
42.11
Indonesian soldiers and police once again don’t disarm the militias.
42.17
Jakarta wants the journalists out - it doesn’t want the world to see what will happen next.
42.26
*SCTV Tape The militia and Indonesian troops force people out of the capital Dili and refugees are forced out of the home ofNobel peace-prize laureate Bishop Carlos Belo.Bishop Belo is then taken out of the country.People are forced across the border to the Indonesian province of West Timor. Others escape to the mountain and many disappear.
42.48
Thousands escape to the mountains. Many independence supporters disappear. The militias loot and destroy Dili.
43.07
For days, the United Nations compound is under attack until UNAMET decides to evacuate all staff to Darwin, Australia, along with the last foreign media.
43.22
Refugees behind wire BT5d 09.26Refugees file past soldiers The people of East Timor are now alone. Hundreds of thousands of people are on the move. Indonesia’s 'final solution' is in full swing.
43.35
WS church In Suai, hundreds of families are still sheltering with Father Hilario.Falintil veteran, Furiel Martino, who has been sending desperate reports back to the cantonments.
43.47-43.54
Super: Furiel MartinoFalintil Veteran “We had hoped to be saved by UNAMET, but now they had left. Some (people) were heart-broken. And we had to find some way to escape.”
43.55-43.09
Exterior Suai church frontSuper: Massacre WitnessThrough church window frame “At 9 o’clock Furiel Martino and 300 people got out of the church and left.” “And Father Hilario said all of you go back to your homes because later the church will be flattened.”
44.10
A combined force of Indonesian troops and police surround the church, and order the militias through to attack. The slaughter lasts through the night.
44.21
Father Hilario and hundreds of others are killed. Hundreds of people are reported missing.
44.28-44.38
Super: Massacre Witness “They started shooting, and the people started running and Father Hilario was moaning because they were stomping on him.”
44.41-44.47
Super: Massacre Witness "One man said, 'kill the men and rape the women!'”
44.47-45.12
Corrugated iron interior
“I saw bodies stacked up, I found a pair of jeans, and I tried to kick them, but (found) it was a dead person. And I prayed for them. I saw many dead lying around on the ground.“
45.13-45.29
3 Hino trucks were loaded with dead bodies. They couldn’t fit them all on. EDIT: The cars were full and I heard the sound of some people still alive and screaming.”
45.13-45.45
Super: Furiel MartinoFalintil Veteran “I never saw anything like this. They burned the church and killed our priest. Father Hilario was a man who had supported Falintil for 24 years.”
45.48
Falintil’s discipline is pushed to breaking point. Taur Matan Ruak talks to Xanana Gusmao in Jakarta via satellite phone. He demands the right to defend the people who are begging for protection.
46.04
Xanana threatens to resign if the fighters leave the base. The cantonment holds.
46.27-46.42
Super: Colin StewartUN Political Affairs Officer “Against great pressure and I think it got quite close to breaking, they stayed in their cantonments, which I think was absolutely critical to international support and ultimately to resolving the situation.” 46.12-46.26
Super: Taur Matan RuakFalintil Chief of Staff It wasn’t very easy for people to restrain themselves. It’s enough to understand that the majority of the guerrillas have family involved. I myself have, and may of us don’t even know what’s happened to our own families. Imagine the despair of our people at this time.
46.47
Super:September1999 Two weeks later Falintil’s heartbreaking gamble pays off. Indonesia accepts an intervention force, led by Australia, called INTERFET.But under the UN-brokered deal, Interfet troops deploy into a diplomatic minefield. They have to work with Indonesia’s army to restore order.
47.10-47.22
Super: General CosgroveINTERFET Commanderc/a General Kiki Syanakri “This is not a time for idle threats, this is a time for the force to arrive, and to get about its task of helping to create a secure environment. ….while doing so sensitively. “
47.23
Interfet troops discover caches of weapons in buildings used as militia headquarters. The militiamen scatter, most heading for Indonesian territory of West Timor.
47.34
Interfet patrols start to round up any armed men they find.
47.41-47.48
Along the street people scream Militia are led by Woman on the street: “You are the ones who have been very cruel. You are the ones who wanted to kill us and chase us to the mountains. Kill them! Shame on you! You dog!”
47.57
Evidence of the militia rampage is everywhere. Hundreds of bodies are discovered. Thousands more are still missing.
48.07-48.17
Super: CNRT Member CNRT member:“I felt very sad and I was crying when I saw there was blood everywhere and dead bodies everywhere.”
48.18-48.26
CA to boys back with scar “The militia came in shooting at us and slashing us with machetes.”
48.31-48.36
“It is good that my husband is buried close to us so the children will not miss him.”
48.38
Unarmed Falintil soldiers leave their cantonments to investigate the atrocities
48.45-48.56
Super: Falur Rate La’ekFalintil Commander “As guerrillas, our hearts were broken because we had weapons and we allowed our people to be killed anyway. That really broke our hearts.”
49.03-49.12
“For those who died without sin,We pray to God to have them by his side because they loved their country, they died defending their country from Indonesia.”
49.13-49.31
Super: Taur Matan RuakFalintil Chief of Staff “It shocked me enormously, not just what happened in Dili but what happened everywhere. For those who saw Dili; for those who want to fight for democracy; and for an independent land; it was shocking. It was very shocking.”
49.32
But Indonesia hasn’t finished yet.The army sets out to destroy East Timor’s infrastructure, burning more buildings to the ground and removing evidence of its’ complicity.
49.44
Interfet soldiers can only stand by in confusion, as the world finally understands what the East Timorese have been saying for weeks— the Indonesian army has no intention of stopping the destruction.
49.58
Another house burns The building next door is burning, but the Indonesian soldier says it has nothing to do with him.
50.04-50.13
CA Indonesian soldiers. Aussie soldier “Well if there’s any more fires, if you see any more fires starting or people walking around with sticks for fire, and they look they look like they are going to light something, could you let us know or let your soldiers know?”“OK, OK!”Upsot house burning
50.14
Red car drives by (slowmo)TNI walk down road casually BT7 Tilt up gun to Indo soldier As Dili burns, international outrage meets with a familiar reaction from Jakarta.
50.21-50.35
Super: Brig. Gen. SudrajatIndonesian Military Spokesman “Once again the military of the Republic of Indonesia doesn’t have any intention to destroy East Timor.I say again this is not the policy of the military, is not the policy of the government. This is done by Indonesian soldiers who have an emotional tie with the local people. “
50.37
Interfet special forces storm the Indonesian army headquarters, chasing militia out.
50.44
The Indonesians respond by destroying everything that’s left.
50.50
As the Indonesians leave, independence supporters move in, searching for documents to prove Jakarta orchestrated the violence.
50.59-51.07
Super: Falur Rate La’ekFalintil Commander “Because they go from one city to the next city and just pass by. They do not stay to provide security in those cities, so the militia and Indonesian military use this opportunity to continue to kill people.”
51.08
Super: Taur Matan RuakFalintil Chief of Staff Falintil commander Taur Matan Ruak is once again pushed to breaking point. He talks to refugees who feel abandoned by Falintil - and he knows their lives are still in danger.
51.21-51.35
“Look, it seems like Interfet came here to walk around like tourists. I have asked Interfet to give these people security. They go around with cars, they go around with helicopters, they don’t care about the security of the people. They need security. I insist on it!…
51.36
Finally, Falintil commanders order more patrols to move out into the areas around the bases. They want to find the remaining pockets of militias, organise food for the refugees, and protect those still at risk.
51.52
But by leaving the bases, Falintil sets up a direct confrontation with the multinational force
51.58
Interfet has orders to arrest anyone with arms –…
52.06
and they can’t tell the difference between the militias and Falintil – only the East Timorese can.
52.13-52.38
Super: Falur Rate La’ekFalintil Commander “Our task in city was to go there not to fight, but to organise the logistics for the starving people, But then Interfet disarmed us, and we think that is not right, it was the wrong attitude and that is why we will force them to return our weapons.”
52.39
The diplomatic resolution for Falintil, is to return to the cantonments. Some militia-men have sought their protection from the local people.
52.50-53.07
Super: Militia recruit “The villagers told me – we will just beat you, we wont kill you because we’re angry! We will bring you to the Falintil Commander to save your life. If you stay here you will die.”
53.09
Soldiers guard militia in circle Victory is near, but not quite complete.
53.13
Super: Xanana GusmaoFalintil Commander in Chief “The United Nations are not the saviours. We fought during 24 years…
53.24-53.37
we wanted to make it clear that Falintil is a liberation army, and they have to respect our history. They have to respect our struggle.”
53.38
In the days and weeks ahead, the people of East Timor return to their towns and villages, to start rebuilding their homes and their shattered lives. Joao Da Silva joins the survivors.
53.55
CRNT president Xanana Gusmao leads the negotiations with the UN over the timetable for the transition to independence.
54.03
After 470 years of colonialism by Portugal and 24 years of occupation by Indonesia, East Timor is finally free.
54.17
Super date: 29 October 1999 The Falintil’s long struggle with the Indonesian military comes to an end, when the Indonesian legislature repeals its annexation of East Timor on October 20th, and the last of the Indonesian forces are withdrawn. The occupation is over.
54.33-54.48
Super: Leki Naha Foho Rai BootFalintil Vice-commander “We never thought to surrender. We never thought that we would lose this war. We always thought we would win, because East Timor does not belong to Indonesia. It is our country.”
54.54
Falintil has won its final battle - discipline has won over extreme provocation.
55.07
In the end, these heroes of the resistance movement have beaten their enemies by refusing to join the war.
55.13
Suai Church The church at Suai is once again a holy place, consecrated by a mass to remember the dead. Bishop Carlos Belo remembers his close friend Father Hilario and the hundreds who were killed, yet he urges the people to look towards the future.
55.30-55.59
Super:Bishop Carlos Belo Bishop Belo sermon: "Since September we have all suffered. Your houses in Suai are burnt and my house in Dili is also burnt. But as Christians, don't take revenge. Let's bury the past and those bad memories and welcome the future with joy. Thank the lord that we are still alive and that we have overcome the violence and suffering.”
56.02
Singing UPSOT singing
56.07
Even Indonesians were outraged. Father Yusef stayed behind to protect people who hid in his church
56.17-56.29
Super:Father Yusef AgingIndonesian Priest "I do hope that these kind of atrocities, these kind of violence, violence will not be happen again. Not only in East Timor, not only in Indonesia, but in the world.”
56.33
Xanana walks and meets villages in countryside Xanana Gusmao makes a homecoming pilgrimage around the countryside. Xanana preaches reconciliation with Indonesia, on all levels, as soon as possible. The years of resistance are over.
56.55-57.32
Xanana: We showed ourselves that our people could do it. We showed that we are a brave people who resisted for 24 years of struggle. Even on the day that you - the people of East Timor - became free, you still cry and still wear clothes of mourning.Viva Timor Loro-sae!' Viva Falintil
Music seq – End credits
THE END
Produced Directed and Filmed by: Sophie & Lyndal Barry
Production Company: SHOOT Productions